The Cycle Ship is a roll-on, roll-off ferry that, with no need to take your bicycle apart or pack it away, makes touring Shimanami a breeze.
This autumn only, the Onomichi–Imabari route returns for the first time in 26 years. Why not experience a Shimanami journey this October and November unlike any other?
Feel the breeze in your hair as you cross the sea from island to island, then set off to explore each island at your own pace the moment you reach port.
An unlimited one-day Shimanami Cruising Pass is also available!
Enjoy a Shimanami journey by ferry and bicycle — a special opportunity available on only 16
days this autumn.
*Please note that on Sunday, October 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., all vehicles—including bicycles—will be prohibited from traveling on Hakata Island due to a triathlon event.
The Shimanami Cruising Pass is a one-day pass that allows unlimited use across all routes on that day.
The Shimanami Cruising Pass can be purchased on tabiwa, JR West’s tourist guide app, and EX service.
*Tickets for individual journeys can be purchased at each port.
*On routes 2-5, bicycles rented from an affiliated shop can be loaded free of charge upon confirmation of a receipt, rental certificate, or rental sticker
*Photos and diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. Thank you for your cooperation regarding mobile phone etiquette.
Please check the meeting time and location for your boarding port and arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Please note that the vessel cannot wait for passengers once the scheduled departure time has passed, even if they have already purchased a ticket.
★：Rental Cycle Terminal
Featured Model Courses
Suggested Course 1
A beginner-friendly trip that combines scenic boat rides with cycling. Enjoy a relatively short 10km ride that offers stunning Seto Inland Sea views, Setoda’s Lemon Valley, and crosses the iconic Tatara Bridge. Perfect for those who want to enjoy some of the Shimanami Kaido’s highlights at an easy pace and beginner cyclists.
Route: Onomichi Pier 10:45 → [Ikuchijima] Shiomachi Shopping Street → Tatara Bridge → [Omishima] Iguchi Port → Onomichi Station Rental Cycle 16:00 or Imabari Port 17:00
Time required: Approx. 5–6 hours
Suggested Course 2
This course connects some of the Shimanami Kaido’s most iconic scenery. Crossing two bridges and visiting three islands, you can soak up views and seasonal charm unique to the Seto Inland Sea, from Lemon Valley to roadside citrus stalls.
Route: Onomichi Station Rental Cycle 10:00 → [Ikuchijima] Shiomachi Shopping Street → Tatara Bridge → [Omishima] Iguchi Port → Tatara Shimanami Park → Omishima Bridge → [Hakatajima] Hakata S・C Park → Edagoe Port → Imabari Port 17:00 or Onomichi Station Rental Cycle 18:00
Time required: Approx. 7–8 hours
Suggested Course 3
This loop course showcases the charms of Omishima, the largest island on the Shimanami Kaido. Ride along the beautiful coastline and discover unique cafes and shops along the way. We also recommend stopping by mystical sites like Oyamazumi Shrine, known as the “Island of the Gods,” and Ikiki no Mikado, a sacred gate formed from a living camphor tree.
Route: Onomichi Station Pier 09:15 → [Hakatajima] Edagoi Port → Hakata S・C Park → Omishima Bridge → [Omishima] ride clockwise around along the coast of Omishima → Iguchi Port → Imabari Port 17:00 or Onomichi Station Rental Cycle 18:00
Time required: Approx. 6.5–9 hours
Suggested Course 4
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to enjoy a Shimanami Kaido day trip that takes in some of both the area’s most famous and most surprising highlights. Travel by boat from island to island, and discover the distinct character of each. Enjoy the dynamic Seto Inland Sea scenery shaped by its tidal currents, while also stopping by popular spots in Setoda — a special course available only this season.
Route: Imabari Port 08:00 or Onomichi Station Pier 09:15 → [Ikuchijima] Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, Kosanji Temple Museum, and more → Tatara Bridge → [Omishima] Iguchi Port → [Hakatajima] Edagoshi Port → Hakata S・C Park → Hakata-Oshima Bridge → [Oshima] Miyakubo tidal currents → Shitadami Port → Imabari Port 17:00
Time required: Approx. 8–9 hours
How to Use the Shimanami Cruising Pass
Check the departure times for the route connecting Onomichi Station Pier and Imabari Port.
※Ferry traveling from ①Onomichi Station Pier to ②Setoda Port makes brief stops at 3 ports.
※Ferry departing at 9:15 a.m. from Onomichi Station Pier makes stops at 4 ports.
※The service may be operated by a different ship depending on weather conditions.
※Ferry traveling from ②Setoda Port to ①Onomichi Station Pier makes brief stops at 3 ports.
※Ferry departing at 11:25 a.m. from Setoda Port makes stops at 4 ports.
※The service may be operated by a different ship depending on weather conditions.
Bring your bike straight on board!
Once you reach your departure port, board the Cycle Ship together with your bicycle. Since you can load your bike directly onto the ferry, you can avoid the hassle of packing it into a travel bag or taking it apart — making for a smooth, effortless transfer.
On board, feel the sea breeze as you take in views of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands and bridges — a different perspective on the Shimanami Kaido than you get while cycling. Once you disembark, simply hop back on your bike and continue to your next destination.
In partnership with Shimanami Japan and other bike rental shops along the Shimanami Kaido, we offer discounts on rental fees.
Simply show the crew your receipt from when you rented the bike or the sticker attached to the bike to receive a
500-yen discount!
Get off at your destination port and explore the islands of the Shimanami Kaido
at your own pace.
After disembarking at your destination port, you can head straight out to explore the island by bike. Ride at your own pace, taking in coastal roads, bridge views, and scenery found only on these islands.
Stop along the way for local sights and food, then catch the ferry again from the next port — mixing and matching ferry and bike to create your perfect Shimanami adventure.
For questions about Cycle Ship sailing days,
how to board, ticket use,
and more, please
contact us below.
| Setouchi Cruising Co., Ltd. | 0848-36-61130848-36-6113 |
|---|---|
| |
| Shimanami Co., Ltd. | 0898-25-73380898-25-7338 |
| |
| [tabiwa] Nippon Travel West Japan Web Center | 0570-666-1550570-666-155 | (10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) *Excluding irregular holidays |
|---|---|---|
| [EX Travel Reservations] EX Travel Customer Service Center | 0570-07-01710570-07-0171 | 1 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) *Open year-round |
Setouchi
Shimanami Kaidō
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